THE BRONX (PIX11) — The Bronx Chamber of Commerce Foundation has launched a new program to help small businesses keep pace with artificial intelligence.
For years, Bronx businesses have been asking for web designers and websites; now the questions are different.
“Now companies are asking for social media managers, content managers and asking ‘what is AI?’ says Gisselle Galerotti of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce.
She adds that this shift has exposed a growing digital divide, especially for small business owners who don’t have the money or staff to keep up.
“We thought we needed to help our businesses and our district access education that will allow them to use this new tool, this new technological tool, to their advantage.
That’s why the Bronx Chamber of Commerce Foundation launched the AI Advantage program, supported by google.org, the nonprofit arm of Google.
The free program accepted more than 120 applications, but only 70 small businesses made the cut. The selected companies are divided into three cohorts, each following four weeks of online training.
Read more: Breaking news from across the Tri-State
One of the participants is Natasha Green, founder of Hidden Gems Archery, who says AI is changing the way she runs her business. “Large companies have teams for marketing. They have teams for, say, go-to-market strategy, where when you have yourself or another person, that’s on your team. And now we see that their team is AI.”
Green says AI tools have become less intimidating to her and she now views them as a business partner. “You could think of him as a thought partner. You could think of him as a twenty-something mentor. That’s what we’re learning at the Bronx Chamber by learning rapid engineering through AI.”
Organizers emphasize that the goal is not to replace workers but to help small businesses survive and grow in a rapidly changing economy. “The majority of our business, not only in our borough but throughout the city, are small businesses, mom-and-pop stores, which form the basis of our economy. »
Graduates will receive Google certifications and a grant to help support their business and growth.
Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports and streaming videos, visit PIX11.